Bloomington-Normal
Joint Apprenticeship & Training Center
309-829-9819
email: info@bnjatc.org -- 2407 Beich Road, Suite B, Bloomington, IL 61705
The Electrical Training Alliance (formerly NJATC) was created over 70 years ago and has developed into what perhaps is the largest apprenticeship and training program of its kind. Local programs affiliated with the ETA have trained over 350,000 apprentices to Journeyman status without cost to the taxpayers. This joint program between the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) has clearly demonstrated the most cost-effective way to train qualified craft workers.
Upcoming Application Days
The Bloomington-Normal Electrical JATC will be accepting applications 1 day of each month, typically the 4th Monday of every month unless it's a holiday, and 1 week in January for the Telecommunication and Inside Wireman apprenticeship. Contact the office to find out which day is scheduled for individual months.
Females and Minorities are encouraged to apply.
*ALL APPLICATIONS TAKEN NOW WILL BE FOR THE 2025/2026 SCHOOL YEAR.
Needed for Application:
• Must be a minimum of 17 years old
(must be 18 before beginning work assignment)
• High School Transcripts or GED Certificate
• Valid Driver's License
• Typed Resume
• $35 application fee*
* The application fee is for the required aptitude test.
*We accept cash and all major credit/debit cards
OFFICE HOURS
Application Days (including January): 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Normal Operation: Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Did You See That?
Application Process
Apply in person on one of the scheduled days at the Training Center. (takes 20-30 min)
Wait for notification for your scheduled aptitude test. (notification can take up to 6 months depending on the date you applied)
Attend your scheduled Aptitude Test. (4 or higher to pass) (2.5-3 hrs)
Interviews are typically in March or April and last approx. 10-15 min.
With-in 2 weeks you will receive an email or phone call notifying you of your apprenticeship opportunity.
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Aptitude Test The National aptitude test is given approximately every 3-4 months and is based on how many applicants we have. The test consists of Algebra and Functions and Reading Comprehension. This test takes approximately 2 1/2 - 3 hours. Upon completion of the test, it is then sent on to Questar to be graded and the results are then sent to us. To qualify you must receive a score of 4 or above on the test. An applicant can retake the test in 3 months if they do not pass with a 4 or above on the first try. Once you pass the test you will be notified and scheduled for an oral interview. Interviews The interviews are conducted by the BNJATC which consists of 3 Journeyman Electricians and 3 Contractors. Each applicant is ranked from 0-100 by each interviewer and then the scores are averaged. When the interviews are complete the applicants are placed on the available apprentice list. The applicants remain on the list for a period of 2 years. If you are not called to work during that time you can reapply (encouraged to do so to keep your name towards the top). After every set of interviews, the applicants are slotted into the existing list by how they are ranked. The list changes every time interviews are held, for this reason no applicant is told where he/she is on the list. |
Earn While You Learn
What to Expect...
Qualified applicants will be notified of time and date for Aptitude Test (math and reading Comprehension). Applicants who score 4 or higher (Stanine scale, 1-9) will be scheduled for an interview with the BNJATC. This is typically in March or April. Qualified applicants may go to direct interview depending upon their documented, electrical construction experience (min 2000 hours), or Applicants with Military Electrical experience may qualify for Direct Interview (contact the office for details).
There is a mandatory drug screen as well as a criminal background check prior to starting work.
Apprentices will become members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 197. Benefits of membership include a generous health insurance package as well as a comprehensive pension plan. Wages are second to none in the area.
The Bloomington-Normal JATC will not discriminate against an apprentice or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity}, sexual orientation, age {40 or older}, genetic information, or disability with regard to its apprenticeship and other programs, including its recruitment, outreach, and selection procedures; grading, assessment, and advancement; on the job opportunities and assignments; rates of pay; imposition of penalties or other disciplinary action and termination; or any other benefit, term, condition, or privilege associated with the apprenticeship.
Electrical Alliance Video
Program Information
Inside Wireman
The Inside Wireman electrical apprenticeship is a 5-year program consisting of 8000 hours (minimum) On-the-Job Training as well as 900 hours (minimum) of classroom training. You will work for electrical contractors during the day and attend school for 2, 3-hour evening classes a week during the school year. In it, you will be trained to become a Journeyman Wireman. In brief, our job is any electrical installation that comes "after the utility pole". You might be terminating medium voltage cables that will eventually carry at 13,000 volts, or you could be pulling computer cabling. One day you may be working on stadium lights off of a boom lift, the next, digging a trench for underground wiring. There are numerous roles an individual may aspire to once they complete the apprenticeship. We are foremen, superintendents, owners, estimators, construction & maintenance electricians, and instructors-but most importantly, we are journeyman wiremen.
Installer Technician
The Telecommunications Apprenticeship is similar to the Inside program as far as the classroom structure. However, it is only a 3-year program with a minimum of 6000 hours on-the-job training. In the Telecommunication classification, the apprentice will study low voltage installations as well as fiber optics. Areas such as computer cabling, audio/visual, security, fire alarm, and phone networking will be what you study and work with on a daily basis. The majority of this work is indoors and is perfect for someone with a need for hands-on work as well as a love of technology. After successfully completing your classroom training and OJT you will become an Installer Technician.
Links
For help and extra learning on Algebra and Reading Comprehension, please visit this site to better prepare you for the aptitude test.
electricaltrainingalliance.org
This is the organization that we get the majority of our curriculum from in the apprenticeship.
https://www.resumebuilder.com/apprenticeship-resources-by-state/
A Day In The Life Of An Apprentice
Both of these apprenticeships are recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and apprentices will receive a certificate from the DOL and the Electrical Training Alliance after they meet the required standards from the program.
Les Parker- Training Director
Ph: 309-829-9819
Fax: 309-821-0388
Email: info@bnjatc.org
Amber Long- Office Manager
Email: amber@bnjatc.org
Bloomington-Normal Joint Apprenticeship & Training Center 2407 Beich Road, Suite B, Bloomington, IL 61705